One of the deepest impulses in man is the impulse to record, to scratch a drawing on a tusk or keep a diary… The enduring value of the past is, one might say, the very basis of civilisation. John Jay Chapman, American author (1862-1933)
List of historical events
1. Benazir Bhutto Returned to Pakistan
On this day in history in 2007 Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, returned to Pakistan after eight years in self-imposed exile in London and Dubai. Tragically, she was assassinated just two months later in a bombing while campaigning for the upcoming elections.
2. 1998 Jesse Pipeline Explosion in Nigeria
On this day in history in 1998, a devastating oil pipeline explosion occurred just outside Lagos, Nigeria, killing over 200 people. The pipeline, owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, erupted into a six-day fire that was difficult to contain.
Read also: October 17th This day in history
More events
3. 1967 First Space Probe to Enter Another Planet’s Atmosphere
On this day in history in 1967 The Soviet Probe Venera 4 made history by entering Venus’ atmosphere and transmitting information back to Earth for approximately 90 minutes before losing contact. This groundbreaking feat paved the way for Venera 7 to become the first probe to land on another planet.
4. Alaska Joined the United States
On this day in history in 1867 The United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a move initially criticized by many Americans as “Seward’s Folly” after Secretary of State William H. Seward. Despite initial skepticism, Alaska became a valuable addition to the Union, officially becoming the 49th state in 1959. Today, October 18 is celebrated as Alaska Day.
5. Moby Dick was Published
On this day in history in 1857 Herman Melville’s epic novel, Moby Dick, was first published in London as “The Whale” and later in the United States. This timeless tale of obsession follows a sailor’s relentless pursuit of the elusive white whale that took his leg. Moby Dick is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of fiction ever written.
